THE Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its report into last year's fatal plane crash at Bagshot.
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Examination of the aircraft showed that its nose landing gear contacted a powerline, according to the report findings.
No high visibility devices were attached to the powerlines with the only markings on the airstrips being two threshold markers and a white road post marking the culvert.
The markers were partially covered by grass.
The October 29, 2012, crash claimed the life of a 77-year-old Mount Evelyn passenger.
A 65-year-old man and 75-year-old man were hospitalised after the crash.
"The lack of a well-defined and market threshold gave the Pilot-In-Charge the impression that the mown undershoot area formed part of the useable landing strip and contributed to the accident," the report states.
This accident is a timely reminder to all pilots to give themselves time to make appropriate decisions ...
"This was compounded by the pilot's misunderstanding that, as in the case of departures to the south, by clearing the treeline he would clear the powerline.
"In fact, the powerline was located 47 metres into the undershoot area."
The front-seat passengers's post-mortem examination showed he sustained significant head and upper body trauma during the accident.
The Pilot-In-Charge's injuries were severe but did not involve head or upper body trauma.
The rear-seat passenger was not wearing a seatbelt but only sustained minor injuries that have been attributed to the fact he was confined by the front and rear seats.
"This accident is a timely reminder to all pilots to give themselves time to make appropriate decisions and, if in doubt, make an early decision to go-around if at all unsure about the progress of the approach," the report states.
"In addition, the potential for enhancing passenger safety by pilots making sure that everyone in their aircraft is wearing their seatbelts correctly is highlighted."
There was no evidence the aircraft was fitted with an emergency locator transmitter.
However, the pilot reported there was a portable 406 MHz personal locator beacon in the glove box which was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
"The three people who first responded to the accident acted quickly to assist the two conscious aircraft occupants to exit the wreckage," the report states.
Changes have been made to the runway markings as a response to last year's crash. Markers have also been erected near the powerline.